How to Quit Sugar, Based on Your Personality

Quitting sugar doesn't actually mean you have to ditch it forever—especially if you have a sweet tooth. "There is a time and place for it. I recommend having an 'intentional indulgence'," says Brooke Alpert, RD, author of The Diet Detox. Once a week, plan to have something you truly love (a small cupcake, a scoop of ice cream) guilt-free. These planned splurges can actually help you eat less sugar overall. When you feel guilty, you often think you "ruined the day" and give up your healthy eating plan all together, which can mean digging into cookies or candy. (And then promising yourself that you'll start over again next week.) Research also shows that restricting yourself boosts cravings for off-limits foods, like chocolate, and can also make you feel guilty—and may actually prevent you from losing weight.